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2nd ASIA-PACIFIC CONSULTATION ON DISCIPLESHIP [A-P-COD 2003] Colombo, Sri Lanka 9-12 July, 2003 For many of us the 1st APCOD held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah in 2001 made an indelible imprint in our hearts and minds that has changed us forever. Never before had we been amongst such a throng of people with a burning passion for Jesus. Never before had we received such scholarly wisdom and insight. And never before had we been both humbled and challenged by people set only on doing God’s will no matter the consequences for themselves. So it was, therefore, with great anticipation that we approached the 2nd APCOD. We had the expectation that our foundations in discipleship would be further strengthened and enlarged. And we had the hope that people in the region, and in Sri Lanka in particular, would be given the same hunger for God’s word and commitment for discipleship that the 1st APCOD gave to us. We were not to be disappointed for again there were people of scholarship, of conviction, of passion and of loving kindness. It was at once a humbling and an uplifting experience to be with such people. The speakers, both in the large formal plenary sessions and in the more intimate workshops were all exceptional communicators delivering incisive messages that illumined and challenged, entertained yet convicted but always giving hope that does not disappoint. There was Dr John Garr from the USA who reminded us of the Jewish roots of discipleship and who constantly illumined scripture with Hebraic understanding. There was Dr Mark Cooray from Sri Lanka who incisively defined truth, a truth that is only discerned from knowing the Book of the Lord and the Lord of the Book. There was Rev. Edmund Chan from Singapore who entertained with stories but who clearly demonstrated how churches, even large ones, can make disciples with a true spirit of servanthood. There was Miss Linda Cope from the USA who took us by surprise by her unorthodox analysis of the Bible as our manual for discipleship. There was Ian Malins from Australia with his intentional disciplemaking workshops and message about the exchanged life which is surrendered, abiding and Spirit filled. There was Miss Shiela Massey from India who showed us the real meaning of servanthood. And there were many other inspiring workshop speakers who shared their experiences, wisdom, insights and understanding. All the speakers were special, leaving their imprints on our hearts and minds but two need special mention. Prof. Dr Michael Wilkins from the USA sounds like a pretty awesome individual but he turned out to be a real down to earth character with a smile that melts the hardest of hearts. With three plenary sessions and four workshops APCOD really worked him hard but from beginning to end he had everyone eating out of his hand. His overall message was that authentic discipleship unleashes a liberating truth which denies elitism, necessitates that we are fully human and which is for all people in all walks of life. These ideas were explored in greater depth in his workshops. For two plenaries Sri Lanka gave us a glimpse of their jewel, Dr Ajith Fernando. A scholar of international acclaim who spoke with authority, insight and clarity on difficult topics. He opened APCOD by bringing us face to face with the fact that truth is not in fashion today and that this is a crisis that Christians must tackle head on. Later in the conference he brought everyone down from their clouds to the full realisation that suffering is a very real part of true discipleship. For three and a bit days some 250 delegates, including 80 from 17 overseas countries who gathered together in Colombo ), were held in thrall, taught, challenged, enriched, uplifted, set down on the path to true discipleship and given a shove in the right direction. Those who think discipleship is practical Christian living that no conference can engender must think again. A changed life requires changed thinking and APCOD certainly achieved that. Given the chance to attend an APCOD, take it. ( Written by Robert New of Sabah, Malaysia ) |
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